Porto Novo, Santo Antão

The ferry from Mindelo

Santo Antão has no working airport, so the ferry from Mindelo is the only way in. The crossing takes around an hour, runs several times a day and can be genuinely rough in the channel — take precautions if you are prone to seasickness. Buy tickets at the terminal or in advance in Mindelo; see our ferries guide for the practicalities.

The town itself

Porto Novo is a working port town of low buildings, a seafront promenade and a handful of restaurants and guesthouses. Most travellers move straight on, but if you have time between boats, the waterfront is pleasant, the local restaurants are cheap and good, and the setting — dry mountains rising sharply behind — is dramatic in its own stark way.

Onward transport

Aluguers meet every ferry, heading over the mountain to Ribeira Grande, Ponta do Sol and the Paul Valley. You can take the coast road (faster) or the old cobbled mountain road via the Cova crater — the latter is one of the great drives in Cape Verde and worth arranging deliberately. Agree the route and price before setting off.

Practical tips

• Ferries are busiest in the morning; check the last return time carefully.
• The channel crossing can be choppy — sit centrally and look at the horizon.
• Take the old mountain road at least once, in daylight.
• Cash is essential; ATMs are limited on the island.